Travel Vaccines and Advice for Easter Island
Easter Island is part of Chile and is located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.
Over 7,500 people live on Easter Island. More tourists visit the island each year than people live there.
The main languages of Easter Island are Spanish and the native language of Rapa Nui. About 60 percent of the population are of indigenous descent. The rest of the population are Chilean.
Mythology is strong on Easter Island with the island being home to many moais (stone statues).
Do I Need Vaccines for Easter Island?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Easter Island. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Easter Island: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Easter Island |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Routine Vaccinations for Easter Island |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
There is a possible risk for dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, on Easter Island. Repellents and netting are generally recommended.
There is one hospital on Easter Island, modern hospital with good treatment in Hanga Roa. Severe injury would require evacuation from the island.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Easter Island?
If you are a U.S. tourist traveling to Easter Island, you do not need a visa. A valid passport is required. If a minor is accompanying you, you must bring a copy of their birth certificate.
Easter Island Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Easter Island? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Chile and U.S. State Department
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What Is the Climate Like in Easter Island?
The climate of Easter Island is subtropical with warm and humid summers and mild winters. The average temperature is consistent throughout the year. Lows are in the 50’s while highs are in the 80’s.
It rains often on Easter Island (with the most rain occurring from June to August). Winds can also be quite strong.
How Safe Is Easter Island?
There is little street crime on Easter Island, so it is considered a safe place for travelers.
There are many stray dogs on Easter Island. Travelers should stay away from strays as their behavior can be unpredictable. Rabies vaccination may be recommended for some travelers.
Moais in Easter Island
Easter Island is well-known for its rock statues, Moais. These statues were created between 1100 and 1680. There are 887 on the island with the most famous being the Easter Island heads. The heads are symbols to represent a deceased line of lineage.
The Rapa Nui National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other great places to check out Moais include the Rano Raraku quarry and Ahu Tongariki. The Rano Raraku quarry holds over 400 Moais.
What Should I Take To Easter Island?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Easter Island:
- Good walking/hiking shoes
- Layers of clothing
- Windbreaker for rain and winds
- Sunblock and protective clothing
U.S. Embassy in Easter Island
All Americans visiting Easter Island should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
There is no U.S. embassy in Easter Island, but it is served by the embassy in Chile.
U.S. Embassy Santiago
Av. Andrés Bello 2800
Las Condes
Santiago, Chile
Phone: (56-2) 2330-3000
If you have any questions about traveling to Easter Island or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Easter Island?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Easter Island?
What Is the Climate Like in Easter Island?
How Safe Is Easter Island?
Moais in Easter Island
What Should I Take To Easter Island?
U.S. Embassy in Easter Island
